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You're Never Too Young to Help Animals
When Darcie Hancock was 12 years old and lived in New York, she was told that she was too young to help care for animals at a local veterinarian. Not willing to take no for an answer, and knowing she really wanted to help animals, she started her own organization, Animal Associates. When she moved to South Carolina in 2005, she moved the organization with her and continues to look for ways to improve the lives of animals.
Teen Voices: What prompted you to found Animal Associates and what is its main goal?
Darcie: I always wanted to help out animals, but everybody told me I was too young and couldn't do anything. The main goal is definitely to help as many of the animals in the environment as we can.
TV: Is Animal Associates made up of all volunteers?
Darcie: Yes, it is all volunteers and anybody who wants to help can do it.
TV: How do you get young children involved in your organization and how many children are currently involved?
Darcie: We write letters to the newspaper about things we do and what's going on currently. It is just good publicity because people can read about what we are up to and find our website. We've also handed out business cards to people we meet who are interested. Right now we've got about 6 or 7 members. It's definitely a slow start right now since we're on the beach and it's a big tourist area so not a lot of people are here permanently.
TV: In your opinion, what is Animal Associate's most successful project?
Darcie: The most successful project down here is probably the one we're working on right now called the Water-Litter Project. There are ditches in between the roads filled with water and people throw their trash in it. We go out in the evening and fish it all out and throw it away. We don't have a lot of people involved, mostly my neighbors and me, but it is an important cause.
TV: Did adults/other people support your efforts in starting an organization?
Darcie: My mother was definitely the most supportive of the club. We have a couple of other adults that will help us out occasionally, but it was always my mom supporting me and telling me I could do it.
TV: Through your efforts, have you seen signs of improvement in the lives of the animals you are serving?
Darcie: Yes, we definitely have. The water around here has definitely gotten a lot cleaner, and we've seen a lot more animals in it. A few kids came down here, and they want to clean up the countryside, so they're doing whatever they can to make it nicer. Right now they're the leaders.
For more information visit the Animal Associate website at www.animalassociates.freeservers.com.
5 Ways to Stand Up for Animal Rights
Are you concerned about how animals are treated by cosmetic companies? Here's how you can help:
Boycott: Avoid buying products from companies who test on animals.
Find other options: Wear artificial leathers and furs.
Spread the word: Tell your friends about animal-friendly brands they can purchase.
Be heard: Write a letter to companies that use animal testing and tell them how you feel.
Work with others: Get a group of friends together and start up an animal rights awareness campaign that spreads the word! Or join an organization that is already working on these issues.
There are many animal rights organizations out there that fight to get animals the fair treatment they deserve. These organizations do everything from picketing to boycotting animal cruelty companies. Some organizations are against animals performing for our entertainment, animals being food, or neglecting and abusing animals. Joining organizations like these is just one way you can help support animal rights. Visit www.animalconcerns.org to find other organizations working on these issues.
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